Viral Transport Medium (VTM) | Knowledge Center | Capricorn Scientific

Viral Transport Medium (VTM)

CE-marked and based on formula CDC

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for a preservation and transport medium for collected specimen samples has largely increased. To address this issue, Capricorn Scientific offers a ready-to-use Viral Transport Medium (VTM) following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Our VTM is suitable for the safe transfer of viruses, chlamydia, and mycoplasma for diagnostic purposes and is offered in bulk for local assembly of VTM Kits.

SAFE

Our CE marked VTM allows the safe transfer of viruses, chlamydia, and mycoplasma for diagnostic purposes.

CUSTOMIZED

We offer our Viral Transport Medium in several variations and different unit sizes to meet customers' needs.

READY-TO-USE

Our VTM media are supplied as a ready-to-use product for your convenience.

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What is a Viral Transport Medium (VTM)?

Viral Transport Medium (VTM) - VTM-1000ML
Visualisation of COVID-19 Virus (Fusion Medical Animation)

Viral Transport Medium (VTM) is used to safely transfer viruses, chlamydiae, and mycoplasma for further research and analytics after sample collection. The solution acts as a chemical preservative and allows safe transport to the laboratory and a reliable analysis thereafter.

Since a virus is particularly prone to degradation, special preservation methods are needed. Further, due to the current global situation with COVID-19, the demand for virus preservation for testing is very high and conventional cooling methods (e.g., liquid nitrogen) are not viable.

Our Viral Transport Medium is suitable for several applications, including classical cell culture methods, diagnostic testing, as well as molecular biology techniques (including PCR). The special formulation ensures the best possible recovery of the samples, and the addition of antibiotics inhibits the contaminating growth of bacteria and fungi.

The product is provided as bulk liquid media for use in further processes, e.g., filling into smaller sample tubes. All Capricorn VTM media are CE-marked IVD products, according to CDC recommendations, and comply with all EU regulations.

CDC-RECOMMENDED

Our VTM media are manufactured according to the recommendations published by the CDC.

CE-MARKED
 

All VTM media are CE-marked products to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

TESTED
 

All media meet the requirements for viral testing and do not interfere with classical diagnostic methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions for our VTM products.

How long can VTM be stored?
  • The shelf-life of VTM is 12 months from the manufacture date when stored at +2 °C to +8 °C and 3 months when stored at +15 °C to +25 °C.
  • We recommend you do not freeze the medium and store it protected from light.
  • Our Viral Transport Medium is based on Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) with Calcium and Magnesium and contains heat-inactivated Fetal Bovine Serum, Gentamicin, and Amphotericin B.
  • This formulation is according to the CDC recommendations.

Instructions for Use

Our Viral Transport Medium (VTM) is suitable for the transfer of various types of viruses. Inadequate or inappropriate specimen collection, storage, and transport will likely yield false test results. Training in specimen collection is highly recommended due to the importance of specimen quality. Detailed guidelines for aseptic liquid handling in order to dispense bulk into aliquots can be found in our product information.

How do I transport my specimens?

  • Specimens must be packaged, shipped, and transported according to the current edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation.

  • Store specimens at +2 °C to +8 °C and ship overnight on ice pack. If a specimen is frozen at -70 °C or lower, ship overnight on dry ice.

  • Specimens can be stored at +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 72 hours after collection.

  • If a delay in extraction is expected, store specimens at -70 °C or lower.

YOUR BENEFITS

  • Safe transfer of viruses, chlamydia, and mycoplasma for diagnostic purposes
  • Offered also with addition of phenol red
  • Meets the requirements for viral testing
  • Does not interfere with classical diagnostic methods